Early Childhood Education Commons^™

Optimum Time To Teach Beginning Reading, Lisa A. Ludwig

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to review and analyze the literature concerning the optimum time to begin teaching reading. Four questions were answered, addressing the optimum time to begin teaching reading; advantages of early reading; problems with early reading; and guidelines for developing an effective reading program.

Early readers were found to have better grades, a higher self-esteem, and continued to be better readers throughout the secondary school years. However, some early readers also experienced difficulties because of the pressure and high expectations put on them at an early age.

It was concluded that there is no magical age …

Constructivist Education : Developing A Constructivist Kindergarten Program, Carol J. Menefee

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of literature relative to the importance of using constructivist approaches in the kindergarten program. The primary focus of this paper was to look at the features of a constructivist approach. Advantages and criticisms of constructivism are included. This study also provides guidelines designed to help educators, specifically kindergarten teachers, implement constructivist approaches in their classrooms. The conclusion of this paper offers suggestions and cautions to educators on implementing these guidelines. Recommendations for further research in the area are stated.

Reading Comprehension Strategies For Esl K-3 Students Utilizing Multicultural Children's Literature, Ann K. Rizor

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a teacher's handbook to aid in reading instruction for students grades K-3 who are learning English as their second language. To accomplish this purpose a review ofliterature was conducted on the topics of second language acquisition, second language reading, and the use of multicultural literature. Additionally, information and materials from selected sources were obtained and analyzed.

Literature-Based Language Arts Extended To Science, Brandee M. Alexander

Graduate Research Papers

Literature can link all areas of the curriculum. Extending a literature-based language arts program to the science area can provide a rich learning environment supported by many different genres of literature and related expressive activities that contribute to the dimensions of learning.

A science unit of study on the five senses, with special emphasis on touch, for kindergarten children, was expanded through literature experiences and related expressive activities. The literature presented offered much content on the senses and models of language to nurture the children's emerging literacy. During the one-week of study, learner enthusiasm and peer interaction for reading and …

Whales, Meg Gammon Schroeder

Graduate Research Papers

Children develop thinking-language abilities through involvement in the language processes. A print-rich environment representing the many genres of literature extended across the curriculum offers meaningful experiences with the language functions. Such literature experiences and related expressive activities can provide in-depth study in the content areas, expanding the understanding of units' concepts and related vocabulary.

A science unit on whales for kindergarten was enriched through literature experiences. The activities were presented through teacher-directed sessions and student-initiated activities available in the learning centers. The result of this extensive print-rich environment was in-depth study and enthusiastic responses on the part of the students.

The Merits Of Kindergarten Readers' Workshop, Janet K. Hurley

Graduate Research Papers

Literacy is at the very core of our being, and as such a vital component of personal identity, creating an environment conducive to literacy development is an essential element of education. Knowing that attitudes are molded early in life, establishing a strong, meaningful literacy program in early childhood can affect children for a lifetime.

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the merits and power of Readers ' Workshop at the kindergarten level. First I will define and discuss components of the workshop format. I then will share what I see as the greatest benefits of the workshop approach …

Integrating Literature-Based Language Arts And Science : A Unit On Frogs For Kindergarten, Ruth Rysta

Graduate Research Papers

Classrooms providing a literature-base program allow children to engage in the language processes and present opportunities for children to create meaning by surrounding them with high-quality literature representative of different genres. Many of the language arts and science processes are related and can be integrated in themes or units to connect children's learning.

A unit on the life cycle of frogs offered kindergarten children a rich learning environment through quality literature and related expressive activities. The literature-base extended to science developed a sense of community, increased science knowledge and connected reading and writing to the science study.

Literature-Based Language Arts Extended To Science, Jennifer Bruce

Graduate Research Papers

The development of a print-rich learning environment can facilitate the integration of the curriculum. A literature base representative of the different genres can contribute to the dimensions of learning. A literature-based unit on apples provided kindergarten children with quality literature experiences and many expressive activities that extended the students' understanding of the concept of apples. The unit was presented through teacher presentations and learning centers.

Querida Prima, Dear Prima : A Story For Children Seven To Ten Years Old, Stephanie Hermann

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This project is an original bilingual story of two cousins who live in two different countries. The United States and Costa Rica. They bridge their separation by writing letters and emails throughout the story. Through this correspondence they learn about each other and the have more in common in their seemingly distinct worlds than they realize. The text of the book is written in English. The correspondence between the two characters is in English with Spanish translations.

This thesis includes a rationale which explains the need for this book in a world that recognizes the importance of bilingualism and on …

Water In Our Neighborhood A Study Of The Neighborhood With A Focus On Water An Integrated Curriculum For Six And Seven Year Old Children, Simone Graniela

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This unit was developed and created for children as an interdisciplinary study for a New York City public school setting in the Bronx. Through trips, children learn about the goods and services provided as well as the various ways water is used within the neighborhood The curriculum allows for many opportunities for parents to be partners in their children's education which is emphasized throughout the lesson plans provided.

Educational Reading Games, Paula Anna Pina

All Graduate Projects

This project consists of a collection of educational reading games specifically for teachers and reading resource educators to use in the classroom. The games were designed for students in kindergarten and first grade. The games were organized according to the specific reading skills that will be reinforced. The specific skills were phonics, letter identification, and sight vocabulary. The games were collected from a variety of commercially available sources, teacher made games, and other educational resources. Furthermore, the author will discuss the rationale for using educational games in the classroom.

A Comparative Study Of Socioemotional Behaviours Of Children In Two Preschool Programmes, Wai Eng Ding

Student Works (2000-2009)

The purpose of this study is to examine the socioemotional behaviors of 45 five-year- old children in a child-initiated learning programme and 30 six-year-old children in a teacher-directed instruction programme based upon the Preschool and Kindergarten  Behavior Scale (Merrell, 1994). The findings of the study have shown that children in the Montessori/thematic play program have significantly lower social skills but significantly higher problem behaviors, compares to children in the teacher-directed  instruction programme. The findings also indicate that there are no gender differences for the whole sample and by programmes on the social skills and problem behaviors of the children. However, …

A Balanced Reading Approach To Teaching Reading In Kindergarten And First Grade, Leah Ann Bodeen

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to create specific activities that teach children various tools that assist in learning how to read. The project implements a balanced reading curriculum with an emphasis in kindergarten and first grade. Throughout this project the students will be exploring a variety of ways to acquire the knowledge of reading. The project concentrates on two philosophies of how to teach reading; phonemic awareness and whole language. The final product encompasses both philosophies and creates a curriculum that links the two into a balanced approach to reading.

Ways To Promote Literacy, Heidi Lynn Desteunder

All Graduate Projects

The process by which literacy develops in children and ways to promote literacy development were studied. The review of related literature showed support that children's literacy development begins in infancy, that it develops through a set of stages, and that active involvement of parents and caregivers does promote literacy development. A handbook for parents of children from preschool through elementary school was created. The handbook includes a continuum of literacy development and activities to encourage its growth.

Daily Journal Writing In The Early Childhood Classroom, Kristin Fisher

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a handbook to assist teachers who wish to use daily writing journals as a part of the reading and writing curriculum in a preschool, kindergarten, first, or second grade classroom. The project describes procedures, materials, activities, and routines needed to institute such a program. The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements and assessment methods are addressed. Variations on the journal format that have been used in other early childhood classrooms are mentioned. Current literature and research on the topics of emergent literacy and journal writing is explored.

The Importance Of Phonemic Awareness In Initial Reading Acquisition And How You Can Support It In Your First Grade Classroom: A Handbook For Educators, Jan Pearson Golob

All Graduate Projects

The significance of phonemic awareness in initial reading acquisition was researched. The research suggests that those children without phonemic awareness will struggle with learning to read. A handbook for educators was created to compliment existing curriculum. This handbook contains songs and activities either extracted from or modeled after those that had already been field tested in many classrooms.

Incorporating Holistic Activities Into A First Grade Phonics-Based Basal Reading Program, Kristine Marie Williams

All Graduate Projects

This project reviews the literature on basal reading programs, the whole language approach, and phonics instruction. The related research was used to identify the need for a more balanced approach to elementary reading instruction. Holistic strategies, based on the whole language philosophy, were explained. These strategies were applied to a first grade phonics-based basal reading program. Lessons and activities were developed to integrate holistic strategies with the phonics-based basal reading program. Implications for further research and teacher training were discussed.

Using Literacy Booster Lessons To Maintain And Extend Reading Recovery Success In The Primary Grades, Karla K. Kittelson-Mackenzie

Graduate Research Papers

This manuscript focuses on using small group literacy booster lessons to provide former Reading Recovery students with opportunities to apply effective literacy strategies in instructional-level text. The goals of these group lessons are encouraging students to independently process increasingly difficult texts and providing a smooth transition from individual Reading Recovery lessons to classroom learning.

Circles Of Literary Learning In The Kindergarten Classroom, Jayne Purdy

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the effects of literature circles on literary learning for kindergarten students. Fourteen children were divided into groups for the purpose of reading and discussing several different fictional stories over a 6-month period. A wide variety of literature was used that reflected the units of study for each month. The children met in literature circles weekly to discuss a story with their peers. Anecdotal records and observations indicated that the students were demonstrating an increased interest in literature. A comparison of pre- and post-tests showed growth in the students' abilities to analyze and interpret stories. (Real names of …

Preschoolers And Technology : Effects Of Computer Use On The Preschool Child, Amy M. Clymer

Graduate Research Papers

Computer technology was investigated to examine technology's role in the education of preschool children. A comprehensive review of published literature was performed to determine the effects technology has on the social, cognitive, and emotional development of preschoolers and the guidelines for using computer technology with young children. Computer technology, implemented into preexisting educational activities and curricula, can assist in developing social and cognitive skills in preschool-age children. Computers assist in a child's ability to scaffold information. Appropriate computer software encourages preschoolers to think and act independently. Software that focuses on drill-and-practice skills can be detrimental to the mental growth of …

Invented Spelling : The Role Of Developmental Spelling In Early Childhood Classrooms, Cynthia L. Ford

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of literature relative to the importance of Invented Spelling in early childhood classrooms. The primary focus of this paper was to develop guidelines which should be used to implement a model program. The literature examined included the features of Invented Spelling and the stages of Invented Spelling. Also, the advantage and disadvantages of Invented Spelling were discussed.

The conclusion of this paper offers suggestions to educators on how to implement a model Invented Spelling program. Recommendations for further research in the area are stated.

Reading/Writing Connection, Sandra J. Carpenter

Graduate Research Papers

Reading and writing have many common tasks. Children's language abilities are nurtured through instructional practices that connect these commonalities. In a second-grade language arts program, tasks presented through reading instruction were related to children's writing experiences. To support the reading-writing connection, a strong literature base was created. This base offered models of language and focuses for discussions to relate the commonalities of the processes. The teacher traced the transfer of reading instruction to the children's writing through a collection of their writing pieces.

Implementing A Reading Recovery Shared Classroom : Good First-Grade Reading Instruction For All, Bonnie L. Hoewing

Graduate Research Papers

Reading Recovery is an early intervention designed by Marie Clay (1985) to be implemented in an educational system for the purpose of providing a second chance for success for first grade children who are at risk of failing to learn to read. Reading Recovery is preventive rather than a remedial intervention. Early intervention to deal with reading difficulties is much more powerful than remediation at a later time. Good teaching of reading skills, early in a child's formal education, will help create the foundation needed for continued learning throughout their lives.

Oral History In A Kindergarten Classroom, Marilyn J. Shanks

Graduate Research Papers

Oral history offers elementary teachers an exciting way to get students actively involved. It allows them to deal directly with people and places in the real world. It involves students in the decision-making process and allows them to feel ownership in a part of history. Oral history combines process and product into a real-life experience. It is an excellent teaching tool that fosters excitement about heritage, tradition, and family and helps promote respect and appreciation for the older generation.

An Integrated Emergent Literacy Curriculum For Primary Students, Katrina M. Clark

All Graduate Projects

A completely integrated reading curriculum has been developed for the primary classroom. The curriculum may be used in whole to cover all academic subjects or as a supplement to an already existing program. The main theme, interdependence, is sub divided into: home/family and farms. Any specific directions or copies of activities are included as well as a teacher reference list and a children's literature list. The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements as interpreted for kindergarten are covered by use of this curriculum.

Collaborative Strategies For Teachers And Parents In Achieving Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements In Reading And Language, Theresa Laffey

All Graduate Projects

A teacher handbook containing suggestions and activities teachers can recommend to parents to assist their children in achieving the State Essential Learning Requirements for Kindergarten was developed. Activities and suggestions were based on 25 Expectations set by the State within the Essential Learning Requirements at the Kindergarten level. Each suggestion or activity was supported by research and directly linked to a specific Expectation. The suggestions and activities were selected based upon parent/ child interest, materials required to implement and ease for parents to follow instructions.

Promoting Phonological Awareness In Young Children Through At-Home Activities: A Video Curriculum, Kathleen A. Kwak

All Graduate Projects

Research relating phonological awareness, beginning reading acquisition, and parental involvement in children's literacy development was read, evaluated, and summarized. A positive relationship between phonological awareness and learning to read was indicated from this review, and a correlation between parental literacy activities and children's language and reading acquisition was found. Studies suggesting the existence of a developmental sequence of phonological skills were examined. The literature review provided a rationale and design for phonological awareness instruction. A research supported curriculum containing a teacher's manual, take-home interactive video activities and activity sheets, and assessments was created.

Defining Readiness : For, Against, And An Appropriate View, Linda Harris

Graduate Research Papers

The appropriate time to begin kindergarten is no longer simply a matter of chronological age. Developmental readiness, or maturational readiness concern, has caused parents and educators to delay the entry of selected children into kindergarten programs. Some educators look to the developmentally appropriate kindergarten programs, or multi-age grouping in the primary grades, to solve the readiness dilemma.

This study reviews the most recent literature on the subject of readiness. It also looks at the benefits and problems concerning delayed entry. The study attempts to pull together an appropriate view of readiness for parents and early childhood teachers, and offers guidelines …

Delaying Kindergarten Entrance, Nancy Hayes

Graduate Research Papers

This study addresses the issue of delayed kindergarten entry of children five years of age. Benefits as well as problems were discussed. Guidelines for implementing a developmentally appropriate kindergarten program were outlined and conclusions were drawn from the literature. Recommendations were made for future kindergarten programs.

The Arctic And Antarctic: An Integrated Curriculum Unit, Grades K-2, Institute For The Development Of Gifted Education, Ricks Center For Gifted Children, University Of Denver

Ricks Curriculum Units Series

An integrated curriculum is an instructional approach that connects the disciplines to an underlying theme or topic. Immersing students in an integrated-thematic unit provides the backdrop for experiences to occur across the disciplines. Shaping coursework around integrated themes is especially appropriate for gifted students, however using an integrated-thematic curriculum is appropriate for all learners as it develops students' abilities to make connections, to solve problems by looking at multiple perspectives, and to integrate information from different fields of experience. An integrated-thematic curriculum permits students to be active participants in their own learning as they design their own explorations and take …